PRN Child Life Specialist: Mercy St. Louis

Position Details: Flexible PRN Schedule Collaborative Pediatric Care Team Meaningful Impact on Children and Families Opportunities to Lead Special Events and Programs Supportive and Mission-Driven Culture

What You'll Do: Provide developmentally appropriate education, preparation, and support for children undergoing tests, procedures, surgeries, and treatments Help reduce fear and anxiety through therapeutic play, coping strategies, and emotional support Advocate for patients and families while promoting patient- and family-centered care Assess patient and family needs and develop individualized treatment goals and care plans Facilitate therapeutic group and individual activities that support normal growth and development Reassess treatment goals and modify interventions based on changing patient needs Orient patients and families to Child Life services and available resources Provide clear and effective patient and family education throughout the continuum of care Support a safe environment during all therapeutic activities Coordinate special events, celebrations, and enrichment opportunities for patients and families Collaborate with volunteers, community organizations, entertainers, and support groups to enhance the patient experience Conduct pre-operative tours and surgical preparation as needed Educate hospital departments about Child Life services and serve as a resource across Mercy Children's Hospital Supervise Child Life students, interns, and volunteers Complete documentation accurately and within established timelines Manage department supplies and equipment while maintaining budget stewardship Stay current on best practices, technical advancements, and therapeutic approaches in Child Life What We're Looking ForPassionate about supporting pediatric patients and their families Compassionate, energetic, and patient-focused Creative in developing therapeutic and educational activities Strong communicators and advocates Comfortable working independently and collaboratively Organized, adaptable, and dependable

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, Education, or a related field Child Life Certification (CCLS) Previous experience in a pediatric hospital, healthcare, or child development setting Experience supporting children through medical procedures and hospitalizations Experience supervising students, interns, or volunteers Join Mercy Kids St. LouisIf you're passionate about helping children cope, heal, and thrive during challenging healthcare experiences, we invite you to join our award-winning pediatric team. Your expertise, creativity, and compassion can make a lasting difference for the children and families we serve every day. From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period. Transforming the Health of Our CommunitiesOur Mercy health system was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1986. But our heritage goes back more than 195 years. It began with an Irish woman named Catherine McAuley, who was determined to help women and children in Dublin experiencing poverty. Though Catherine had a modest upbringing, she received an unexpected inheritance that allowed her to fulfill that dream. In 1827, she opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin, intending to teach skills to women and educate children. Many volunteers came to help. A few years later, Catherine founded the Sisters of Mercy, one of the first religious orders whose Sisters were free to walk among the poor and visit them in their homes. In 1843, the Sisters of Mercy came to the United States. In 1856, they traveled to St. Louis. In the years to come, they would establish hospitals throughout the Midwest. Many of these would join together in 1986 as Mercy. Click Here to Learn More about Mercy